Matsuda Confirmed in KCMG Oreca-Nissan for COTA

KCMG announced this week that Tsugio Matsuda will join Richard Bradley and Matt Howson in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s round at Circuit of The Americas on September 19-20.

Following a brief hiatus from Le Mans prototype racing, the Super GT ace and two-time Formula Nippon champion is primed for his return to the World Championship’s six-hour round in Austin.

Matsuda took part in WEC’s official pre-season test at Paul Ricard in March and went on to deliver an outstanding performance at Silverstone in the No. 47 Oreca-Nissan LMP2 the following month.

Notably, it was the Japanese driver’s maiden race in Britain’s most iconic circuit. Matsuda’s impressive outing with Bradley and Howson in the UK that saw the Hong Kong-based LMP2 squad claim their first WEC podium this season.

“It’s been a long wait and I’m looking forward to being back in the Oreca-Nissan prototype at COTA,” Matsuda said. “I’m delighted to be working with the team again after that four-month interval.

“Le Mans prototype racing is always a refreshing experience for me and I’m particularly excited about this round since this will be my first time to race at the Austin track.

“More so, it’s a great privilege to once again represent Asia in the World Championship with KCMG.”

Paul Ip, KCMG Managing Director, added: “No doubt, he is one of the best Asian drivers around and he has demonstrated impressive skill in an LMP2 car.

“Everyone is eager to see him back in the Oreca-Nissan and deliver another flawless performance in Austin.”